A DIFFERENT KIND OF DOG PODCAST—REAL TALK FOR GUARDIANS, PROS & DOG LOVERS!
The only show where honesty, empathy, and education meet—no topic is off-limits.
Meet Your Host & Producer
Em - Host & Creator
Em is a passionate animal advocate with over 30 years of hands-on experience as a retired veterinary technician, pet sitter, dog walker, and now a virtual dog trainer. She holds multiple certifications in the canine field, including Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Certified Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), and Certified Professional Can
Em is a passionate animal advocate with over 30 years of hands-on experience as a retired veterinary technician, pet sitter, dog walker, and now a virtual dog trainer. She holds multiple certifications in the canine field, including Family Dog Mediator (FDM), Certified Canine Enrichment Technician (DN-CET), and Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN).
Her lifelong dream came to life through Straight Up Dog Talk, where she brings a perspective few others can—shaped by decades behind the treatment room doors and in the homes of dogs with big feelings. Her mission? To normalize honest, often overlooked conversations about dog parenthood. From behavior and training to health, nutrition, and grief, Em guides pet guardians through every stage with empathy, education, and zero judgment.
When she’s not podcasting or training, you’ll find her hanging with her two dogs, Toby and Fitz—who regularly steal the spotlight on her Instagram and remind her daily why this work matters.
Ready to transform your relationship with your dog?
Head over to the Straight Up Dog Training page to work one-on-one with Em and build a stronger, happier bond with your pup.
Streaming Platforms
Straight Up Dog Talk: Now Streaming Everywhere!
Stay connected with the latest episodes of Straight Up Dog Talk—the podcast where dog guardians, professionals, and passionate pet people come together for real conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
🗓 New episodes drop every Wednesday
🎧 Listen your way:
Stream on your favorit
Straight Up Dog Talk: Now Streaming Everywhere!
Stay connected with the latest episodes of Straight Up Dog Talk—the podcast where dog guardians, professionals, and passionate pet people come together for real conversations about life on both sides of the leash.
🗓 New episodes drop every Wednesday
🎧 Listen your way:
Stream on your favorite platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more—all links in one place!
Prefer to listen online? Visit the Donate and Listen page to stream directly from our website.
Don’t miss out—tune in and be part of the conversation!
Josh - Producer
Josh - Producer
Josh is a multifaceted creative with a passion for storytelling, humor, and podcasting. As a role-playing game author and longtime podcaster, he brought a unique mix of insight, wit, and technical skill to Straight Up Dog Talk—helping shape the show’s foundation and voice.
Josh served as the editor and producer for episodes 1–48 and cohost
Josh is a multifaceted creative with a passion for storytelling, humor, and podcasting. As a role-playing game author and longtime podcaster, he brought a unique mix of insight, wit, and technical skill to Straight Up Dog Talk—helping shape the show’s foundation and voice.
Josh served as the editor and producer for episodes 1–48 and cohosted through episode 39, playing a key role in helping Em launch the podcast and learn the ropes of podcast production. His presence in the early episodes reflects the collaborative energy that helped the show take off.
Previously the host of several geek-focused podcasts including Digital Llama, Knightmare, and Wasta Show (RIP!), Josh later cohosted Graphically Novel and RetConversations. Although he has since retired Graphically Novel, he continues to explore new creative passions and geeky projects behind the scenes.
While Josh has moved on from Straight Up Dog Talk, his influence remains a valued part of the podcast’s journey—and we’re forever grateful for his early contributions to the show.
Open Roads, Honest Conversations – What’s Next for Straight
Real stories, meaningful connections, and dog-friendly adventures from communities across the country.
I’m getting ready to take Straight Up Dog Talk on a cross-country RV journey with my two dogs, Toby and Fitz—and I’d love to bring you along for the ride.
This isn’t just a travel adventure. It’s a deeper extension of the podcast’s mission: to highlight the people, pups, and places shaping the dog world, and to bring meaningful, real-world conversations to listeners everywhere. I’ll be visiting local rescues, meeting dog professionals in person, recording on-site episodes, and connecting with dog-friendly communities in every region I can reach.
And yes, I’ll still be offering virtual training support from wherever we park—proving that connection and education can happen from the mountains, the beach, or a quiet corner of a campground.
But here’s the truth—I don’t have the RV yet.
To get this journey on the road, I need support from this incredible community we’ve built together.
Here’s how you can help:
• Donate to help fund the RV that will become our mobile podcast studio and training space
• Join the waitlist to be a guest when I'm in your area
• Connect me with potential sponsors or collaborators who want to support dog education and advocacy
• Share the mission by spreading the word to fellow dog lovers and professionals.
This RV isn’t just for me—it’s for you, your dogs, and the stories that deserve to be told. If the podcast has ever helped you feel seen, heard, or supported, now’s the time to help make this next chapter possible.
Head to the journey page to see how you can be part of what’s next—
and let’s build something amazing, together.
Merch
Rep Your Love for Straight Up Dog Talk!
Want a cozy way to support the podcast and the upcoming RV road tour?
Every purchase helps fuel future episodes, virtual training on the road, and the stories that bring us all together.
Show your support, wear the mission, and help keep the conversation rolling.
Let's Connect!
Join the Conversation!
Have a topic idea, question, or dog story to share?
Whether you're a new pet guardian or a seasoned pro, your voice matters—and we’d love to hear from you.
Want to be a guest on Straight Up Dog Talk or chat about a partnership?
Click below to email Em directly.
Let’s build stronger bonds—on both sides of the leash.
Straight Up Dog Talk
